Super Bowl Sunday timeline: kickoff, pregame windows, and the halftime range

Super Bowl Sunday tends to follow a familiar rhythm: a long pregame build, a hard start time, a short burst of early-game nerves, then a halftime window that’s easier to predict than most people think. For Sunday, February 8, 2026, the game is set for a 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff, with the night typically wrapping around 10:10–10:45 p.m. ET, depending on pace of play, reviews, scoring, and any late-game drama.

Pregame windows: what “starts” when

There are two “pregame starts” most people mean:

1. National TV pregame show
   This usually begins in the early afternoon, commonly around 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET, and runs straight through kickoff with multiple blocks (studio, features, on-field segments, and live warmups).

2. “Get the room ready” pregame
   If you’re hosting, the practical pregame window is the final 60–90 minutes before kickoff. That’s when network coverage tends to shift heavily to the stadium, inactives, last-minute injury updates, anthem timing, coin toss logistics, and “live to kickoff” countdown pacing.

Kickoff to halftime: how the first half typically unfolds

Once the ball is kicked at 6:30 p.m. ET, the early portion often feels fast, but the clock reality is slower than viewers expect. NFL game flow includes extended ad breaks after scoring, quarter changes, challenges, and reviews. Even a “clean” first quarter usually takes 40–50 minutes of real time.

A typical first-half rhythm looks like this:

• 6:30–7:20 p.m. ET: First quarter plus early second-quarter stretch, with the game settling into pace.

• 7:20–8:05 p.m. ET: Mid-to-late second quarter, where timeouts, two-minute strategy, and replay reviews can stretch the clock.

• ~8:00–8:30 p.m. ET: Most common halftime-entry window (earlier if there’s little scoring and few stoppages; later if the half is packed with touchdowns, penalties, and reviews).

The likely halftime range: what to expect

A normal NFL halftime is short, but the Super Bowl halftime is built around a full live production. Even though the on-field performance itself is relatively brief, the setup and teardown add time.

In practice:

• Halftime typically begins: ~8:00–8:30 p.m. ET

• Halftime length (total break): often 25–35 minutes

• Second half kickoff typically returns: ~8:30–9:05 p.m. ET

If you’re stepping away for food, this is your best window—just plan to be back in your seat about 20 minutes after the half begins if you want to catch the start of the third quarter reliably.

Second half to finish: when the game usually ends

Most Super Bowls land in a fairly predictable end window because the league’s broadcast pacing is consistent year to year.

A common finish looks like this:

• ~9:00–9:50 p.m. ET: Third quarter and most of the fourth quarter

• ~9:50–10:25 p.m. ET: Final stretch, where late-game timeouts, reviews, injuries, and two-minute offense can add real time quickly

• Overtime (if needed): can push the ending into 10:45 p.m. ET or later

Across recent years, the overall broadcast for the game itself (from kickoff to final whistle) often runs around 3 hours 30–45 minutes.

A simple “night of” timeline (ET)

Quick planning tips that match the clock

• If you care about the opening drive: turn everything on by 6:15 p.m. ET.

• If you only care about the halftime show: tune in around 7:45 p.m. ET to avoid missing the start of the break.

• If you’re coordinating food delivery: aim for arrival by 5:45–6:15 p.m. ET, or place it for halftime (with the expectation it may be crowded and late).

Sources consulted: NFL, NBC Insider, Sports Illustrated, CBS Sports